Syntax (the grammar behind coding) is the correct ordering of individual characters and/or commands within a program. It is related to linguistic syntax which relates to correct arranging of sentences in a language.
Semantics (the meaning behind the coding) focuses on what the program means and does (e.g if its equations and variables are correct for its purpose). In linguistics, semantics describes the relation between symbols, words, phrases and signs and what they stand for.
3.1.2 Describe the function of high-level language translators.
Interpreters are programs that execute instructions written in a high-level language. An interpreter reads through each line of coding, line by line, and translates it into an intermediate form, stopping when the first error is read.
In contrast, a compiler translates high-level instructions directly into machine language or source code. They don't stop at the first error, they continue translating until they reach the end of the coding and then tend to present a list of errors found to the user. Compiled programs generally run faster than interpreted programs.
Advantages & Disadvantages The advantage of an interpreter is that it does not need to go through the compilation stage during which machine instructions are generated. This process can be time-consuming if the program is long. The interpreter, on the other hand, can immediately execute high-level programs. For this reason, interpreters are sometimes used during the development of a program, when a programmer wants to add small sections at a time and test them quickly. In addition, interpreters are often used in education because they allow students to program interactively.
Compiler
Interpreter
Produces a complete machine code program which can be stored on disc, loaded and run.
Translates a HLL line by line without saving any object code
Needs a complete HLL program
Starts at the beginning and continues to end or first error
Gives an error listing of all errors in the program
Stops at the first error.
More complex program
Simpler, needs less memory, frequently used in older microcomputers
Machine code product can be run on any machine without a compiler
Interpreter needs to be in memory when the program is run
3.1.3 Outline the use of software development tools.
HTML editor
A software application that enables web pages to be created. Although the HTML markup of a web page can be written with any text editor, specialized HTML editors can offer convenience and added functionality. For example, many HTML editors work not only with HTML, but also with related technologies such as CSS, XML and JavaScript or ECMAScript.
DBMS
A Database Management System (DBMS) is a set of computer programs that controls the creation, maintenance, and the use of a database.It allows organizations to place control of database development in the hands of database administrators (DBAs) and other specialists.
CASE tools
Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) is the scientific application of a set of tools and methods to a software system which is meant to result in high-quality, defect-free, and maintainable software products. They are software tools that provide a development environment for programming teams.
Macros
Macros are a powerful productivity tool which allow you to have a set of pre-recorded instructions that can run what could be a long and tedious task with a single click or command.
3.1.1 Define syntax and semantics.
Syntax (the grammar behind coding) is the correct ordering of individual characters and/or commands within a program. It is related to linguistic syntax which relates to correct arranging of sentences in a language.
Semantics (the meaning behind the coding) focuses on what the program means and does (e.g if its equations and variables are correct for its purpose). In linguistics, semantics describes the relation between symbols, words, phrases and signs and what they stand for.
3.1.2 Describe the function of high-level language translators.
Interpreters are programs that execute instructions written in a high-level language. An interpreter reads through each line of coding, line by line, and translates it into an intermediate form, stopping when the first error is read.
In contrast, a compiler translates high-level instructions directly into machine language or source code. They don't stop at the first error, they continue translating until they reach the end of the coding and then tend to present a list of errors found to the user. Compiled programs generally run faster than interpreted programs.
Advantages & Disadvantages
The advantage of an interpreter is that it does not need to go through the compilation stage during which machine instructions are generated. This process can be time-consuming if the program is long. The interpreter, on the other hand, can immediately execute high-level programs. For this reason, interpreters are sometimes used during the development of a program, when a programmer wants to add small sections at a time and test them quickly. In addition, interpreters are often used in education because they allow students to program interactively.
3.1.3 Outline the use of software development tools.
HTML editor
DBMS
CASE tools
Macros
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